Christie C. My mom taught me how to make simple syrup while I was trying to figure out how to make my cakes stay moist. She instructed me to brush a light layer of it on top of cakes just after they come out of the oven. The syrup maintains the cake’s moisture as it cools. Of course, simple syrup is used for a variety of applications other than cakes.
“Pretty please, with sugar on top” ―
Anonymous
Why You’ll Love This Simple Syrup Recipe
- Two ingredients only
- Easily customizable with extracts and infusions
- Highly versatile in various recipes
Inspiration for Simple Syrup Recipe
Simple Syrup Ratios
Simple syrup can be made in several different ratios. The consistency and sweetness will vary on the ratio of sugar to water. Below are the three most common combinations:
1:1 Ratio (Standard Simple Syrup)
- 1 part sugar to 1 part water (i.e.,1 cup sugar + 1 cup water)
- Most commonly used in cocktails, coffee, tea, and general sweetening.
2:1 Ratio (Rich Simple Syrup)
- 2 parts sugar to 1 part water (i.e., 2 cups sugar + 1 cup water)
- Thicker and sweeter, used for longer shelf life and stronger flavor in cocktails, baking, and some medicinal syrups.
1:2 Ratio (Light Simple Syrup)
- 1 part sugar to 2 parts water (i.e., 1 cup sugar + 2 cups water)
- Less sweet, often used in lightly sweetened beverages, fruit preservation, or delicate desserts.
Common Uses for Simple Syrup
Simple syrup can be used in cocktails such as as mojitos, whiskey sours, and margaritas, a sweetener for coffee and tea, a sweetener for sodas and spritzers, and as a sweetener for lemonade and juices.
In cooking and baking, it helps to moisten cakes, serves as a base for a glaze or sauce, can be used to make infusions, and can serve as a poaching liquid for fruits. Try it as a topping for pancakes or waffles, an additive in ferments, preserves, and brews, and as a carrier for home remedies.
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Special Tools and Equipment
- small sauce pan
- silicone or wooden spatula
Simple Syrup
Ingredients
- 8 ounces (200g) cane sugar
- 8 ounces (200ml) water
Instructions
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Pour the sugar and water into a sauce pan and stir.
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Bring the sugar and water to a simmer and cook until the sugar dissolves. This should take no more than 5 minutes.
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Stir gently until the syrup is smooth.
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Allow the syrup to cool completely before using. Store it inside a clean airtight container (preferably glass) for up to a week room temperature, or up to a month in the refrigerator.
